Tavia Gilbert demonstrates the value of a skilled professional as she narrates what might easily have been a wandering and disconnected work. In a series of brief chapters, New York Times book critic Michiko Kakutani picks her 100+ favorite books “to read and reread,” a solid and eclectic list with a number of surprises. The listings are alphabetical by author, and the sequences often wildly mismatched. But Gilbert’s expert timing and vocal shading bring purpose and direction, highlighting the author’s sharp insights and abiding enthusiasm for good books of every kind. Kakutani effectively sums up each book’s unique character and appeal, and listeners will be sure to add a half dozen or more fresh titles to their listening lists before they’ve finished. — AudioFile Magazine